Impact Garment with Inflatable Safety System and Method of Manufacture

ABSTRACT

A safety equipment assembly is disclosed. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet-to-pads safety supports and a one or more force sensing sheets. Said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory. Said micro controller comprises a communication hardware. 
     Said micro controller comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a LEDs, a battery and a speaker. Said safety program comprises a safety procedure. Said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal. Said safety equipment assembly comprises an ERF safety system. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a buckle safety system. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a display panel. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/258,758 filed on Nov. 23, 2015.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT (IF APPLICABLE)

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX (IF APPLICABLE)

Not applicable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,736 A.

None of the known inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant disclosure as claimed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A safety equipment assembly is disclosed. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet-to-pads safety supports and a one or more force sensing sheets. Said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory. Said micro controller comprises a communication hardware. Said micro controller comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a LEDs, a battery and a speaker. Said safety program comprises a safety procedure. Said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal. Said safety equipment assembly comprises an ERF safety system. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a buckle safety system. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a display panel. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a cover. Said cover is configured to cover a portion of said ERF safety system by attaching to a portion of said helmet and said shoulder pads. Said buckle safety system comprises a female buckle, a male buckle and a one or more straps. Said one or more straps attach to a portion of said helmet at a first end and to a portion of said shoulder pads at a second end. Said helmet comprises a one or more helmet anchors. A shoulder pads comprises a one or more pad anchors. Said buckle safety system attach to said one or more helmet anchors at a first end and to said one or more pad anchors at a second end. Said one or more helmet anchors comprises a strip and a one or more fasteners. Said one or more helmet anchors are configured to slide along said strip between said one or more fasteners. Said ERF safety system comprises a one or more ERF lines. Said one or more ERF lines comprise a fluid tube for holding ER fluid. Said ERF safety system is configured to be engaged into a safety configuration with a voltage applied to said one or more ERF lines so as to stiffen said one or more ERF lines. Said display panel attached to a portion of said helmet. Said display panel comprises a one or more LEDs. Said one or more LEDs are selectively engaged by said micro controller.

A safety equipment assembly is disclosed. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller. Said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory. Said safety program comprises a safety procedure. Said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal. A one or more helmet anchors are configured to slide along said strip between said one or more fasteners. A display panel attached to a portion of said helmet. Said display panel comprises a one or more LEDs. Said one or more LEDs are selectively engaged by said micro controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective overview view of an user 102 with said safety equipment assembly 100.

FIG. 2A illustrates an elevated back side view of a safety equipment assembly 100 in said first configuration 220.

FIG. 2B illustrates an elevated back side view of a safety equipment assembly 100 in said second configuration 222.

FIG. 3A illustrates an elevated front side view of a shoulder pads 106.

FIG. 3B illustrates an elevated back side view of a shoulder pads 106.

FIG. 4A illustrates an elevated front side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 4B illustrates an elevated back side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective overview view of a rear spring support 206.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective overview view of a side supports 208.

FIG. 7A illustrates an elevated front side view of a one or more force sensing sheets 700.

FIG. 7B illustrates an elevated back side view of a one or more force sensing sheets 700.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective back side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective back side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart view of a data flow diagram 900.

FIG. 10A illustrates logical layout view of an address space 1020.

FIG. 10B illustrates logical layout view of an address space 1020.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart view of a network diagram 1100.

FIG. 12A illustrates logical layout view of a micro controller 204.

FIG. 12B illustrates a flow chart view of a safety procedure 1216.

FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective back side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 13B illustrates an elevated back side view of a one or more helmet ball joints 406.

FIG. 14A illustrates an elevated back side view of an ERF safety system 1400 in said first configuration 220.

FIG. 14B illustrates an elevated back side view of an ERF safety system 1400 in said second configuration 222.

FIG. 14C illustrates an elevated front side view of a one or more helmet anchors 1404.

FIG. 14D illustrates an elevated front side view of a one or more helmet anchors 1404.

FIG. 15A illustrates an elevated overview view of a buckle assembly 1502.

FIG. 15B illustrates an elevated back side view of a buckle assembly 1502.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective overview view of a display panel 1600.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective bottom side view of a mounted controller 1702.

FIG. 18A illustrates an elevated back side view of a cover 1800.

FIG. 18B illustrates an elevated back side view of a jersey 1802.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

These parts are illustrated in the figures and discussed below:

a safety equipment assembly 100

an user 102

a helmet 104

a shoulder pads 106

an arms 108

a chest 110

a head 112

an arm pits 114

a helmet-to-pads safety supports 202

a micro controller 204

a rear spring support 206

a side supports 208

a first side support 208 a

a second side support 208 b

a first configuration 220

a second configuration 222

a one or more shoulder-pad-sensors 302

a first shoulder-pad-sensor 302 a

a second shoulder-pad-sensor 302 b

a pneumatic lines 304

a receiver socket 306

a one or more side supports tie-downs 308

a first tie-down 308 a

a second tie-down 308 b

a belt and buckle assemblies 320

a neck 322

a flaps 324

a main body cushion 326

a one or more helmet sensors 402

a first helmet sensor 402 a

a second helmet sensor 402 b

a one or more helmet ball joints 406

a first side ball joint 406 a

a second side ball joint 406 b

a rear ball joint 406 c

a transmitter 408

a facemask 420

a shell 422

a coil spring 502

an inner cylinder 504

a damper 506

a lower mount assembly 508

a ball 510

an upper mount assembly 514

a rod 520

a cylinder 602

a rod 604

a ball 606

a lower hinge 608

a one or more force sensing sheets 700

a helmet FS sheets 702

a shoulder pads FS sheets 704

a wire 802

a data flow diagram 900

a battery 902

a sensor data 910

a control output 912

a safety program 1002

an address space 1020

a one or more processors 1022

a memory 1024

a communication hardware 1026

a network diagram 1100

a one or more computers 1102

a first computer 1102 a

a second computer 1102 b

a third computer 1102 c

a server 1102 d

a one or more locations 1104

a first location 1104 a

a second location 1104 b

a third location 1104 c

a printer 1106

a network 1108

a data storage 1112

an accelerometer 1202

a gyroscope 1204

a LEDs 1206

a battery 1208

a speaker 1210

a safety procedure 1216

a measuring an impact signal 1218

a saving the signal 1220

a comparing the signal with a threshold 1222

a triggering and alarm signal 1224

a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal 1226

a one or more fasteners 1302

a first fastener 1302 a

a second fastener 1302 b

a one or more slots 1304

a first slot 1304 a

a second slot 1304 b

a one or more flaps 1306

a first flap 1306 a

a second flap 1306 b

an ERF safety system 1400

a one or more ERF lines 1402

a first ERF line 1402 a

a second ERF line 1402 b

a one or more helmet anchors 1404

a first helmet anchor 1404 a

a second helmet anchor 1404 b

a third helmet anchor 1404 c

a fourth helmet anchor 1404 d

a one or more pad anchors 1406

a first pad anchor 1406 a

a second pad anchor 1406 b

a strip 1408

a one or more fasteners 1410

a first fastener 1410 a

a second fastener 1410 b

a buckle safety system 1500

a buckle assembly 1502

a female buckle 1504 a

a male buckle 1504 b

a one or more straps 1506

a first strap 1506 a

a second strap 1506 b

a third strap 1506 c

a fourth strap 1506 d

a display panel 1600

a one or more LEDs 1602

a first LED 1602 a

a second LED 1602 b

an inner surface 1700

a mounted controller 1702

an internal pads 1704

a cover 1800

a jersey 1802

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective overview view of an user 102 with said safety equipment assembly 100.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said helmet 104 and said shoulder pads 106.

In one embodiment, said user 102 can comprise said arms 108, said chest 110, said head 112 and said arm pits 114.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can selectively attach to a user 102 who can comprise an arms 108, a chest 110, and a head 112, and an arm pits 114, as illustrated and well-known.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can attach to a user 102 in a manner well-known among sportsmen. For example, in one embodiment, said helmet 104 can attach to said head 112 of said user 102, said shoulder pads 106 can attach around said chest 110 of said user 102, and can attach under said arms 108 at said arm pits 114. In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can have many added safety and processing features as discussed below.

As illustrated, the sports equipment being discussed is that of an American football, a.k.a. Gridiron football, or similar. However, said safety equipment assembly 100 can be used for any sport or activity where a helmet and shoulder pads (of any sort) might be improved by impact aware controls. Examples of other sports include but are not limited to: hockey, lacrosse, so-called extreme sports, and similar

FIG. 2A illustrates an elevated back side view of a safety equipment assembly 100 in said first configuration 220.

FIG. 2B illustrates an elevated back side view of a safety equipment assembly 100 in said second configuration 222.

In one embodiment, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can comprise said rear spring support 206 and said side supports 208.

In one embodiment, said side supports 208 can comprise said first side support 208 a and said second side support 208 b.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202, said micro controller 204, said rear spring support 206 and said side supports 208.

Said first configuration 220 can comprise said helmet 104 in a substantially upright orientation and said second configuration 222 can comprise said helmet 104 in a tilted orientation, as illustrated.

In one embodiment, said helmet 104 can be adjustably attached to said shoulder pads 106 with a helmet-to-pads safety supports 202. In one embodiment, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can comprise a side supports 208 and a rear spring support 206. In one embodiment, said side supports 208 can comprise a first side support 208 a and a second side support 208 b.

In one embodiment, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can each rotate freely on hinges or ties where they are attached to said helmet 104 and/or said shoulder pads 106. For example, in one embodiment, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can remain unengaged during normal usage of said safety equipment assembly 100, but stiffen up when a concussive event is sensed. Thus, said safety equipment assembly 100 can be used to protect the head and neck of a user by locking up where an injury would have otherwise been imminent.

In one embodiment, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can attach said helmet 104 to said shoulder pads 106 and control relative movement between the parts of said safety equipment assembly 100. In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can collect data from a one or more sensors (discussed and illustrated below) which can be attached within said safety equipment assembly 100 and use data collected therefrom to adjust movements between said helmet 104 and said shoulder pads 106.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly can be used by acting as said an “air bag” by slowing down the change in rate of acceleration of neck/head and dispersing kinetic energy away from where an injury would have otherwise been imminent. This approach can comprise am impulse theory for protecting users of said safety equipment assembly 100.

In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 and/or said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise a one or more accelerometers configured to measure drastic acceleration changes in the head. Said one or more accelerometers can be configured to act a trigger and/or as a diagnostic feature, for use in the case of a concussive event.

In another embodiment, not illustrated, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise an electro-rheological-fluid configured to allow movement until activated, as is known in the art.

The safety equipment assembly comprising a helmet, a one or more sensors; a shoulder pads, a helmet-to-pads safety supports, a micro controller. The shoulder pads adapted for selectively attaching to a user. The helmet and the shoulder pads are rotateably attached to the helmet-to-pads safety supports. The helmet-to-pads safety supports selectively transition between a free moving configuration and a locked configuration. The free moving configuration allows the helmet-to-pads safety supports to rotate and extend or contract as between the helmet and the shoulder pads. The locked configuration comprises the helmet-to-pads safety supports restricted in movement between the shoulder pads and the helmet.

The one or more sensors comprise a shoulder-pad-sensors. The shoulder-pad-sensors are integrated into the shoulder pads.

The one or more sensors communicate with the micro controller. The micro controller interprets signals from the one or more sensors and selectively engages the helmet-to-pads safety supports to protect a user of the safety equipment assembly

FIG. 3A illustrates an elevated front side view of a shoulder pads 106.

FIG. 3B illustrates an elevated back side view of a shoulder pads 106.

In one embodiment, said one or more shoulder-pad-sensors 302 can comprise said first shoulder-pad-sensor 302 a and said second shoulder-pad-sensor 302 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more side supports tie-downs 308 can comprise said first tie-down 308 a and said second tie-down 308 b.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said one or more shoulder-pad-sensors 302, said pneumatic lines 304, said receiver socket 306, said one or more side supports tie-downs 308 and said belt and buckle assemblies 320.

In one embodiment, said shoulder pads 106 can comprise said one or more shoulder-pad-sensors 302, said pneumatic lines 304, said one or more side supports tie-downs 308, said belt and buckle assemblies 320, said neck 322, said flaps 324 and said main body cushion 326.

Said shoulder pads 106 can comprise a shoulder-pad-sensors 302 (which can comprise a first shoulder-pad-sensors 302 a and a second shoulder-pad-sensors 302 b), a pneumatic lines 304, a receiver socket 306, a side supports tie-downs 308 (which can comprise a first tie-down 308 a and a second tie-down 308 b), a belt and buckle assemblies 320, a neck 322, a flaps 324, and a main body cushion 326.

In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can be miniaturized and embedded into said shoulder pads 106 so as to protect the equipment, reduce risk of harm to the user and simplify design elements of said safety equipment assembly 100. In one embodiment, said side supports tie-downs 308 can receive and hold a lower end of each of said side supports 208.

In one embodiment, said shoulder-pad-sensors 302 can be used to sense an impact on said safety equipment assembly 100 while in use so as to communicate an impact to said micro controller 204 of danger to said user 102.

In one embodiment, said pneumatic lines 304 can attach to said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 so as to provide pneumatic forces for the control and movement of said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202. In one embodiment, said receiver socket 306 can receive a lower end of said rear spring support 206 and allow for movement thereupon.

The one or more sensors comprise a helmet sensors. The helmet sensors are integrated into the helmet

FIG. 4A illustrates an elevated front side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 4B illustrates an elevated back side view of a helmet 104.

In one embodiment, said one or more helmet sensors 402 can comprise said first helmet sensor 402 a and said second helmet sensor 402 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more helmet ball joints 406 can comprise said first side ball joint 406 a and said second side ball joint 406 b.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said one or more helmet sensors 402, said one or more helmet ball joints 406 and said transmitter 408.

In one embodiment, said helmet 104 can comprise said one or more helmet sensors 402, said one or more helmet ball joints 406, said transmitter 408, said facemask 420 and said shell 422.

In one embodiment, said helmet ball joints 406 can receive an upper portion of said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 to releaseably connect and hold said helmet 104 with said shoulder pads 106. In one embodiment, said helmet ball joints 406 can comprise ball joints, as is known in the art, which can include quick release ball and socket joints.

In one embodiment, said facemask 420 and said shell 422 can comprise standard equipment or future improvements to sports equipment as would be known in the art.

In one embodiment, said transmitter 408 can transmit data collected at said helmet 104 (such as data from said helmet sensors 402) to said micro controller 204 for processing and action/inaction. In another embodiment, such data can be sent to said micro controller 204 without the use of a wireless transmission by wiring these systems together through said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202. In one embodiment, said transmitter 408 can use well-known wireless transmission systems, as is known in the art, or systems yet to be developed, provided data is relatively fast and accurate.

The helmet comprises a helmet ball joints. The helmet-to-pads safety supports each comprise a ball at a first end of each of the helmet-to-pads safety supports. The ball rotateably attaches to the helmet ball joints.

In one embodiment, said one or more helmet ball joints 406 can comprise sockets being attached to said 014/with 2 screws inserted into 2 small paths in the helmet. Additionally, each of said one or more helmet ball joints 406 can comprise four parallel sectional cuts of 1 cm each to provide a means of attaching said one or more helmet ball joints 406 to said helmet 104. Said one or more helmet ball joints 406 can comprise a slit to allow movement of said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 within said one or more helmet ball joints 406.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective overview view of a rear spring support 206.

In one embodiment, said rear spring support 206 can comprise said coil spring 502, said inner cylinder 504, said damper 506, said lower mount assembly 508, said ball 510, said upper mount assembly 514 and said rod 520.

In one embodiment, said damper 506 and/or said inner cylinder 504 can also be referred to as a cylinder. In one embodiment, said lower mount assembly 508 can comprise a mounting system like said side supports 208.

The helmet-to-pads safety supports each comprise a cylinder and a rod. The helmet-to-pads safety supports are each configured to selectively compress and extend with the rod sliding in and out of the cylinder.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective overview view of a side supports 208.

In one embodiment, said side supports 208 can comprise said cylinder 602, said rod 604, said ball 606 and said lower hinge 608.

In one embodiment, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can comprise electro rheological cylinders, as is known in the art, or pneumatic cylinders as discussed above.

Where a portion of said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 are pneumatic cylinders, said micro controller 204 can drive said pneumatic lines 304 so as to control said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202.

Alternatively, where a portion of said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 are electro rheological cylinders, said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 can be controlled by electrorheological (ER) fluid. As is known in the art, an electrorheological clutch (ER clutch), can comprise drive and driven members, generally parallel to each other, that can be selectively engaged by the application of a voltage to said ER fluid. The ER fluid can be used as the coupling between the input and the output (drive and driven members). The clutch can act as a power amplifier and the effect is fast (of the order of milliseconds) and reversible.

In one embodiment, said lower hinge 608 can attach to said side supports tie-downs 308 on said shoulder pads 106, and said ball 606 can releaseably attach to said helmet ball joints 406 on said helmet 104.

In one embodiment, said ball 510 and said ball 606 can comprise an external diameter being slightly larger than an internal diameter of said one or more helmet ball joints 406 to ensure a snug fit of said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 in said one or more helmet ball joints 406.

FIG. 7A illustrates an elevated front side view of a one or more force sensing sheets 700.

FIG. 7B illustrates an elevated back side view of a one or more force sensing sheets 700.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said one or more force sensing sheets 700, said helmet FS sheets 702 and said shoulder pads FS sheets 704.

In one embodiment, said helmet 104 can comprise said helmet FS sheets 702.

In one embodiment, said shoulder pads 106 can comprise said shoulder pads FS sheets 704.

In one embodiment, said one or more force sensing sheets 700 can comprise force sensitive resistors which send signals to said micro controller 204, as discussed below.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise a one or more pressure sensors which can comprise said one or more force sensing sheets 700, said shoulder-pad-sensors 302 and said helmet sensors 402. In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can further comprise gyroscope sensors for the determination of relative movement as well.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise sensors distributed throughout said helmet 104 and said shoulder pads 106, or can manage impact measurement as described below.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective back side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective back side view of a helmet 104.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said wire 802.

In one embodiment, said helmet ball joints 406 and/or said one or more force sensing sheets 700 in said helmet 104 can communicate with said micro controller 204 through said transmitter 408 or through a wire 802, as illustrated.

As shown in Figures below, said micro controller 204 can be mounted in said helmet 104 to avoid the need for this transmission and separation of devices.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart view of a data flow diagram 900.

In one embodiment, said data flow diagram 900 can comprise said battery 902, said sensor data 910 and said control output 912.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said battery 902, said sensor data 910 and said control output 912.

In one embodiment, data and signals within said safety equipment assembly 100 can be partially characterized by said data flow diagram 900, which can comprise a battery 902, a sensor data 910, and a control output 912. Thus, in one embodiment said shoulder-pad-sensors 302, said helmet sensors 402 and said one or more force sensing sheets 700 can send said sensor data 910 to said micro controller 204. In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can comprise said battery 902 for the power of said micro controller 204, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, said battery 902 is embedded into said micro controller 204 and in another embodiment it is separate. In one embodiment, said battery 902 is recharged by movement of said user 102, by solar power, by plugging in said battery 902, or by other means known in the art.

In one embodiment, data from said helmet sensors 402 can be delivered to said micro controller 204 through said transmitter 408 or said wire 802, as discussed above.

In one embodiment, data from said shoulder-pad-sensors 302 and said helmet sensors 402 can be delivered to said micro controller 204 through wires, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can interpret said sensor data 910, calculate a safety action, and output said control output 912 which are in turn delivered to said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202 for the control of said safety equipment assembly 100 and safety of said user 102.

In one embodiment, said battery 902 can comprise a one or more batteries. In one embodiment, a first battery can be in said helmet 104 and a second battery can be in said shoulder pads 106.

The safety equipment assembly further comprises a one or more batteries. The micro controller and/or the one or more sensors are attached to the one or more batteries.

FIG. 10A illustrates logical layout view of an address space 1020.

FIG. 10B illustrates logical layout view of an address space 1020.

In one embodiment, said address space 1020 can comprise said one or more processors 1022, said memory 1024 and said communication hardware 1026.

In one embodiment, said memory 1024 can comprise said safety program 1002.

In one embodiment, said one or more processors 1022 can comprise a single core or multicore processing unit, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, said memory 1024 can comprise RAM or ROM, as is known in the art, and can be flash based solid state memory.

In one embodiment, said communication hardware 1026 can comprise wireless or wired communication hardware, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, said safety program 1002 can be stored in said memory 1024 which can receive said sensor data 910 through said communication hardware 1026, perform calculations on said sensor data 910, generate said control output 912, and send said control output 912 to said helmet-to-pads safety supports 202.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart view of a network diagram 1100.

In one embodiment, said network diagram 1100 can comprise said network diagram 1100, said third computer 1102 c, said server 1102 d, said printer 1106, said network 1108 and said data storage 1112.

In one embodiment, said one or more computers 1102 can comprise said first computer 1102 a, said second computer 1102 b, said third computer 1102 c and said server 1102 d.

In one embodiment, said one or more locations 1104 can comprise said first location 1104 a, said second location 1104 b and said third location 1104 c.

In one embodiment, said first location 1104 a can comprise said first computer 1102 a.

In one embodiment, said second location 1104 b can comprise said second computer 1102 b, said third computer 1102 c and said printer 1106.

In one embodiment, said third location 1104 c can comprise said server 1102 d and said data storage 1112.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can communicate usage statistics to said second computer 1102 b or said server 1108 for use in analyzing a player's conditions while wearing said safety equipment assembly 100. In one embodiment, data from said server 1108 can be stored on said data storage 1102 d which can comprise a cloud service concerning usage statistics.

The micro controller communicates with a one or more computers across a network. The safety equipment assembly is adapted to monitor the health and safety of a user.

a plurality of the safety equipment assembly is attached to a plurality of users. The plurality of the safety equipment assembly communicates health and/or safety data across a network with a server.

FIG. 12A illustrates logical layout view of a micro controller 204.

FIG. 12B illustrates a flow chart view of a safety procedure 1216.

In one embodiment, said safety procedure 1216 can comprise said measuring an impact signal 1218, said saving the signal 1220, said comparing the signal with a threshold 1222, said triggering and alarm signal 1224 and said timing out or disengaging the alarm signal 1226.

In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can comprise said accelerometer 1202, said gyroscope 1204, said LEDs 1206, said battery 1208 and said speaker 1210.

In one embodiment, said one or more helmet ball joints 406 can comprise said timing out or disengaging the alarm signal 1226.

A method and apparatus for providing an on-site diagnosis of a subject to determine the presence and/or severity of an impact is provided. The method includes placing a smart, wireless device inside of the subject's helmet, acquiring changes in acceleration (G-forces) from the subject through the accelerometer and gyroscope, processing the acquired data using an algorithm stored in the memory of the microcontroller. This device then determines the presence and/or severity of a concussion from the processed data, indicating the presence and/or severity of a concussion not only on the handheld base unit (tablet), but also on the front of a subject's helmet through 2 RGB LEDS of which display a separate color to represent the severity of an impact, thus determining a course of treatment for the subject based on the indications given by the device. The device is composed of a 16 mhz microcontroller, a wireless transmitter of which transmits data up to 300 yards away, an industrial grade accelerometer that can process +−200 G's of force along with a gyroscope, a 7.4 volt battery and 2 RGB LEDS.

In one embodiment, said safety procedure 1216 can comprise a flow chart for monitoring impacts of a user of said safety equipment assembly 100. Said safety procedure 1216 can comprise:

measuring a plurality of impact signals with said accelerometer 1202 of said micro controller 204 (said measuring an impact signal 1218); saving said impact signal to said memory 1024 (said saving the signal 1220); comparing said impact signal to an alarm threshold (said comparing the signal with a threshold 1222); triggering an alarm signal with said micro controller 204 (said triggering and alarm signal 1224); and timing out or disengaging said alarm signal (said 1228/).

In one embodiment, said triggering and alarm signal 1224 can comprise using said LEDs 1206 and/or said speaker 1210 to alert the person wearing said safety equipment assembly 100. In another embodiment, said alarm signal can be transmitted using said communication hardware 1026 to other users at the same location or remotely located, as shown in said network diagram 1100.

FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective back side view of a helmet 104.

FIG. 13B illustrates an elevated back side view of a one or more helmet ball joints 406.

In one embodiment, said one or more fasteners 1302 can comprise said first fastener 1302 a and said second fastener 1302 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more slots 1304 can comprise said first slot 1304 a and said second slot 1304 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more flaps 1306 can comprise said first flap 1306 a and said second flap 1306 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more helmet ball joints 406 can comprise said one or more fasteners 1302, said one or more slots 1304 and said one or more flaps 1306.

The current concussion reducing system features ball and socket joints that allow the football players wearing the system to quickly attach or detach their helmets. This type of quick release ball and socket joint was achieved by molding a resistant, plastic elbow around a plastic bead of which the diameter is just a bit larger than the tube; to achieve a tight fitting. A small 4mm cut was necessary on the rim of the socket joint to relieve some of the pressure off the molded plastic around the ball. This process was done for the ball to have unrestrictive movement and to be able to release the ball from the joint at any given moment. The opposite end of the plastic elbow was cut a centimeter (starting at the rim) in 4 different parallel sections. These sections were then molded into 4 small flaps (such as said one or more flaps 1306) that allow the ball socket joint to be secured to the helmet through the use of 2 screws (said one or more fasteners 1302) and a 2 small paths (said one or more slots 1304) that these screws follow on the helmet.

FIG. 14A illustrates an elevated back side view of an ERF safety system 1400 in said first configuration 220.

FIG. 14B illustrates an elevated back side view of an ERF safety system 1400 in said second configuration 222.

FIG. 14C illustrates an elevated front side view of a one or more helmet anchors 1404.

FIG. 14D illustrates an elevated front side view of a one or more helmet anchors 1404.

In one embodiment, said ERF safety system 1400 can comprise said one or more ERF lines 1402, said one or more helmet anchors 1404 and said one or more pad anchors 1406.

In one embodiment, said one or more ERF lines 1402 can comprise said first ERF line 1402 a and said second ERF line 1402 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more helmet anchors 1404 can comprise said first helmet anchor 1404 a, said second helmet anchor 1404 b, said third helmet anchor 1404 c, said fourth helmet anchor 1404 d, said strip 1408 and said one or more fasteners 1410.

In one embodiment, said one or more pad anchors 1406 can comprise said first pad anchor 1406 a and said second pad anchor 1406 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more fasteners 1410 can comprise said first fastener 1410 a and said second fastener 1410 b.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said ERF safety system 1400.

In one embodiment, said ERF safety system 1400 can be used to connect said helmet 104 with said shoulder pads 106. In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can comprise said one or more pad anchors 1406 and said helmet 104 can comprise said one or more helmet anchors 1404. In one embodiment, said one or more ERF lines 1402 can attach to said helmet 104 at each end thereof and loop through a portion of said one or more pad anchors 1406 between its two ends.

In one embodiment, said ERF safety system 1400 can comprise a system having electrorheological fluid (“ERF”) configured to stiffen when an electrical voltage is run across said ERF.

Electrorheological (ER) fluids are suspensions of extremely fine non-conducting but electrically active particles (up to 50 micrometers diameter) in an electrically insulating fluid. The apparent viscosity of these fluids changes reversibly by an order of up to 100,000 in response to an electric field.

Herein, said ERF can be used when a particularly dangerous impact signal is sensed by said micro controller 204, said ERF safety system 1400 can be stiffened so as to prevent neck injuries.

As illustrated, said one or more ERF lines 1402 cross back and fort from said helmet 104 and said shoulder pads 106 four times. Further, said one or more ERF lines 1402 are not attached to one another in a web pattern. In one embodiment, said one or more ERF lines 1402 can comprise a web pattern to ensure safety of users of said safety equipment assembly 100.

As shown in FIG. 14B, said ERF safety system 1400 can be flexible when not engaged.

As shown in FIGS. 14C-14D, said one or more helmet anchors 1404 can allow a portion of said one or more ERF lines 1402 to slide between said one or more fasteners 1410 along said strip 1408.

FIG. 15A illustrates an elevated overview view of a buckle assembly 1502.

FIG. 15B illustrates an elevated back side view of a buckle assembly 1502.

In one embodiment, said buckle assembly 1502 can comprise said female buckle 1504 a and said male buckle 1504 b.

In one embodiment, said one or more straps 1506 can comprise said first strap 1506 a, said second strap 1506 b, said third strap 1506 c and said fourth strap 1506 d.

In one embodiment, said buckle safety system 1500 can comprise said buckle assembly 1502 and said one or more straps 1506.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said buckle assembly 1502.

In another embodiment, said helmet 104 can be connected to said shoulder pads 106 with said buckle safety system 1500.

Said one or more straps 1506 can be configured to allow selectively detaching said helmet 104 from said shoulder pads 106.

Said one or more straps 1506 can attach to said shoulder pads 106 with said one or more pad anchors 1406 and to said helmet 104 with said one or more helmet anchors 1404.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective overview view of a display panel 1600.

In one embodiment, said display panel 1600 can comprise said one or more LEDs 1602.

In one embodiment, said one or more LEDs 1602 can comprise said first LED 1602 a and said second LED 1602 b.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said display panel 1600 and said display panel 1600.

In one embodiment, said LEDs 1206 can comprise said one or more LEDs 1602.

In one embodiment, said display panel 1600 can attach to a front portion of said helmet 104.

As illustrated, said display panel 1600 is conspicuous and said one or more LEDs 1602 are large and stand up off of said helmet 104. In another embodiment, said one or more LEDs 1602 can be integrated in and flush with said helmet 104, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, said display panel 1600 and said one or more LEDs 1602 can be wired into said micro controller 204.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective bottom side view of a mounted controller 1702.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said inner surface 1700, said mounted controller 1702 and said internal pads 1704.

In one embodiment, said helmet 104 can comprise said inner surface 1700, said mounted controller 1702 and said internal pads 1704.

In one embodiment, said internal pads 1704 can mount to a portion of said inner surface 1700, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, said micro controller 204 can be mounted in said inner surface 1700 of said helmet 104 in areas where said mounted controller 1702 are not located. In another embodiment, a portion of said mounted controller 1702 can be mounted underneath a portion of said internal pads 1704.

FIG. 18A illustrates an elevated back side view of a cover 1800.

FIG. 18B illustrates an elevated back side view of a jersey 1802.

In one embodiment, said safety equipment assembly 100 can comprise said cover 1800.

In one embodiment, said cover 1800 can be used to cover a portion of said ERF safety system 1400, said buckle safety system 1500, or similar. In one embodiment, said cover 1800 can attach to a portion of said one or more helmet anchors 1404 at a top portion and a portion of said one or more pad anchors 1406 at a bottom portion.

In one embodiment, said cover 1800 can be further protected with said jersey 1802, as illustrated

The following sentences are included for completeness of this disclosure with reference to the claims.

A safety equipment assembly is disclosed. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet-to-pads safety supports and a one or more force sensing sheets. Said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory. Said micro controller comprises a communication hardware. Said micro controller comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a LEDs, a battery and a speaker. Said safety program comprises a safety procedure. Said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal. Said safety equipment assembly comprises an ERF safety system. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a buckle safety system. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a display panel. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a cover. Said cover is configured to cover a portion of said ERF safety system by attaching to a portion of said helmet and said shoulder pads. Said buckle safety system comprises a female buckle, a male buckle and a one or more straps. Said one or more straps attach to a portion of said helmet at a first end and to a portion of said shoulder pads at a second end. Said helmet comprises a one or more helmet anchors. A shoulder pads comprises a one or more pad anchors. Said buckle safety system attach to said one or more helmet anchors at a first end and to said one or more pad anchors at a second end. Said one or more helmet anchors comprises a strip and a one or more fasteners. Said one or more helmet anchors are configured to slide along said strip between said one or more fasteners. Said ERF safety system comprises a one or more ERF lines. Said one or more ERF lines comprise a fluid tube for holding ER fluid. Said ERF safety system is configured to be engaged into a safety configuration with a voltage applied to said one or more ERF lines so as to stiffen said one or more ERF lines. Said display panel attached to a portion of said helmet. Said display panel comprises a one or more LEDs. Said one or more LEDs are selectively engaged by said micro controller.

A safety equipment assembly is disclosed. Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller. Said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory. Said safety program comprises a safety procedure. Said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal. A one or more helmet anchors are configured to slide along said strip between said one or more fasteners. A display panel attached to a portion of said helmet. Said display panel comprises a one or more LEDs. Said one or more LEDs are selectively engaged by said micro controller.

Said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet-to-pads safety supports and a one or more force sensing sheets.

Said micro controller comprises a communication hardware.

Said micro controller comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a LEDs, a battery and a speaker.

Said safety equipment assembly comprises an ERF safety system.

Said safety equipment assembly comprises a buckle safety system.

Said safety equipment assembly comprises a cover. Said cover is configured to cover a portion of said ERF safety system by attaching to a portion of said helmet and said shoulder pads.

A buckle safety system comprises a female buckle, a male buckle and a one or more straps.

Said one or more straps attach to a portion of said helmet at a first end and to a portion of said shoulder pads at a second end.

Said buckle safety system attach to said one or more helmet anchors at a first end and to said one or more pad anchors at a second end.

Said helmet comprises said one or more helmet anchors.

A shoulder pads comprises a one or more pad anchors.

Said one or more helmet anchors comprises a strip and a one or more fasteners.

An ERF safety system comprises a one or more ERF lines.

A one or more ERF lines comprise a fluid tube for holding ER fluid.

An ERF safety system is configured to be engaged into a safety configuration with a voltage applied to said one or more ERF lines so as to stiffen said one or more ERF lines.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” 

1. A safety equipment assembly, wherein: said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller; said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet-to-pads safety supports and a one or more force sensing sheets; said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory; said micro controller comprises a communication hardware; said micro controller comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a LEDs, a battery and a speaker; said safety program comprises a safety procedure; said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal; said safety equipment assembly comprises an ERF safety system; said safety equipment assembly comprises a buckle safety system; said safety equipment assembly comprises a display panel; said safety equipment assembly comprises a cover; said cover is configured to cover a portion of said ERF safety system by attaching to a portion of said helmet and said shoulder pads; said buckle safety system comprises a female buckle, a male buckle and a one or more straps; said one or more straps attach to a portion of said helmet at a first end and to a portion of said shoulder pads at a second end; said helmet comprises a one or more helmet anchors; a shoulder pads comprises a one or more pad anchors; said buckle safety system attach to said one or more helmet anchors at a first end and to said one or more pad anchors at a second end; said one or more helmet anchors comprises a strip and a one or more fasteners; said one or more helmet anchors are configured to slide along said strip between said one or more fasteners; said ERF safety system comprises a one or more ERF lines; said one or more ERF lines comprise a fluid tube for holding ER fluid; said ERF safety system is configured to be engaged into a safety configuration with a voltage applied to said one or more ERF lines so as to stiffen said one or more ERF lines; said display panel attached to a portion of said helmet; said display panel comprises a one or more LEDs; and said one or more LEDs are selectively engaged by said micro controller.
 2. A safety equipment assembly, wherein: said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet and a micro controller; said micro controller comprises a safety program, a one or more processors and a memory; said safety program comprises a safety procedure; said safety procedure comprises a measuring an impact signal, a saving the signal, a comparing the signal with a threshold, a triggering and alarm signal and a timing out or disengaging the alarm signal; a one or more helmet anchors are configured to slide along said strip between said one or more fasteners; a display panel attached to a portion of said helmet; said display panel comprises a one or more LEDs; and said one or more LEDs are selectively engaged by said micro controller.
 3. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said safety equipment assembly comprises a helmet-to-pads safety supports and a one or more force sensing sheets.
 4. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said micro controller comprises a communication hardware.
 5. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said micro controller comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a LEDs, a battery and a speaker.
 6. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said safety equipment assembly comprises an ERF safety system.
 7. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said safety equipment assembly comprises a buckle safety system.
 8. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said safety equipment assembly comprises a cover; and said cover is configured to cover a portion of said ERF safety system by attaching to a portion of said helmet and said shoulder pads.
 9. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: a buckle safety system comprises a female buckle, a male buckle and a one or more straps.
 10. The safety equipment assembly of claim 9 wherein: said one or more straps attach to a portion of said helmet at a first end and to a portion of said shoulder pads at a second end.
 11. The safety equipment assembly of claim 9 wherein: said buckle safety system attach to said one or more helmet anchors at a first end and to said one or more pad anchors at a second end.
 12. The safety equipment assembly of claim 9 wherein: said helmet comprises said one or more helmet anchors.
 13. The safety equipment assembly of claim 9 wherein: a shoulder pads comprises a one or more pad anchors.
 14. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: said one or more helmet anchors comprises a strip and a one or more fasteners.
 15. The safety equipment assembly of claim 2 wherein: an ERF safety system comprises a one or more ERF lines.
 16. The safety equipment assembly of claim wherein: a one or more ERF lines comprise a fluid tube for holding ER fluid.
 17. The safety equipment assembly of claim wherein: an ERF safety system is configured to be engaged into a safety configuration with a voltage applied to said one or more ERF lines so as to stiffen said one or more ERF lines. 